THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is pleased Treasurer Joe Hockey and State Treasurers have recognised the unfairness of online digital content not being charged GST, unlike traditional forms of media.

Treasurer Hockey’s Netflix tax is said to be part of a clutch of tax integrity measures contained in next month's federal budget and would see popular overseas media streaming services, such as Netflix and Apple, charged GST on their downloads.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said it is now time to apply GST to all goods purchased from overseas, with the Netflix initiative proving just how easy colleting such tax can be.

“It should be just as easy to collect GST from Amazon as it is to collect GST from Netflix and Apple.

“The ARA has been leading the campaign to fix the under $1000 GST loophole for goods bought from overseas and is frustrated by vested interests slowing reform.

“We know around 20 companies bring in about 80 percent of all overseas purchased goods.

“State Governments are losing billions of dollars in GST revenue which could support teachers, police and doctors. Australian retailers are also not being given a level playing field, and this is costing many local jobs.

“The ARA has been in discussions with the government on how to speed up reform of collection,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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PARLIAMENT'S Joint Intelligence and Security Committee has tabled a short report today to formally conclude its inquiry into the authorisation of access to telecommunications data to identify a journalist’s source.

The committee’s inquiry followed its earlier completion of an inquiry into the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Bill 2014, which was passed by the Parliament on 26 March 2015.

In its report on the Bill, the committee had recommended that it be tasked with undertaking a separate inquiry on the ‘question of how to deal with the authorisation of a disclosure or use of telecommunications data for the purpose of determining the identity of a journalist’s source’.

Since the referral of that inquiry, however, amendments were made to the Bill to introduce a journalist information warrant regime and to establish the position of a Public Interest Advocate for the purposes of making submissions to the warrant issuing authority.

The amended Bill also provides that the committee will be notified of the issuing of any journalist information warrants, and will have the opportunity to request briefings from the Commonwealth Ombudsman or the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security on any reports produced in relation to those warrants or authorisations.

The number of journalist information warrants and the number of authorisations issued under those warrants will also be included in an annual report which the committee will be able to review.

Given these developments, the committee determined to conclude its formal inquiry on the matter.

A copy of the report can be accessed via the committee’s website at http://www.aph.gov.au/pjcis.

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THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is pleased to announce that Jodie Fox, Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of multichannel retail sensation Shoes of Prey will be delivering the keynote address at the 2015 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards Breakfast.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said it will be a pleasure to see Jodie share her words of wisdom in front of over 500 retailers at the ARA Awards Breakfast on 2 July in Melbourne.

“We are ecstatic to have Jodie Fox present at this year’s event. With titles such as National Telstra Businesswoman of the Year under her belt, as well as regular appearances in SmartCompany's ‘Hot 30 Under 30’ list, Jodie has a wealth of knowledge to share with her retail peers. We’re confident all attendees will leave the Awards Breakfast feeling motivated to put some of Jodie’s business strategies into practise.

“The Shoes of Prey concept is a perfect example of how Australian retailers have innovated and adapted to today’s environment. Launched in 2009, Shoes of Prey was the first company to offer women the opportunity to design their own shoes online. Fast forward to today, the company boasts five offices globally with stores in both Australia and the United States.

“Shoes of Prey broke even within two months of its launch and hit multi-million dollar revenues within two years - a truly inspiring retail story that needs to be shared,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Jodie Fox said it was an honour to be invited to give the keynote address at the 2015 ARA Awards Breakfast and celebrate the achievements of Australian retailers.

“The Australian retail industry is at a tipping point whereby the elements we've long wished for are all becoming available to us. It's never an easy road to build a successful business - and there are plenty of failures along the way. But I’m optimistic about what we as a nation of retailers can achieve,” Ms Fox said.

The 2015 ARA Awards are open now – visit www.australianretailawards.com to enter. Tickets will be available online soon – to reserve your tickets now email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
ARA Retail Awards -  key information and dates:
WHAT: 2015 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards
WHEN: Entries now open and due by Friday 8 May 2015
(Winners will be announced at the ARA Awards Breakfast in Melbourne on 2 July 2015)
TO ENTER: Visit www.australianretailawards.com.au to view eligibility criteria and select from twelve award categories
MORE INFORMATION: Phone 1300 368 041 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ARA Award categories:
eftpos Australian Retailer of the Year
BDO Australian Retail Employer of the Year
The Realise Group Australian Independent Retailer of the Year
Pronto Software Australian Retail Innovator of the Year
Expr3ss! Staff Selection Software Australian Retail Graduate of the Year
NORA Australian Multichannel Retailer of the Year
FCB Australian Retail HR Rising Star of the Year
Rest Industry Super Individual Retailer of the Year
Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction Retailer of the Year
Shop for Shops Australian Retail Store Fit-out of the Year
MasterCard Australian Retail Payments Leader of the Year.
 
Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

THE Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to keep the cash rate on hold today at 2.25 percent will support the retail industry for the time being but additional cuts are likely to be necessary in the near future.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA)  Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said there is a need to boost consumer confidence in light of low wages growth and a weak international environment which has left consumers and businesses feeling uneasy.

“At today’s meeting the RBA Board judged it appropriate to hold interest rates for now, however they did mention that further easing of policy may be needed over the period ahead.

“It is now up to both the RBA and the Federal Government to do all that they can to ensure that business is fully supported, especially as retailers are now starting to focus their attention on the upcoming Federal Budget and will be looking to ensure small business tax cuts are being delivered in order to boost their bottom lines.

“The ARA encourages the government to prioritise real productive reforms and for the RBA to consider further rate cuts next month to stimulate consumer confidence,” Mr Zimmerman said. 

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) congratulates the Federal Government for investing $5 billion to establish the jobactive initiative which will improve the quality of services delivered to job seekers and employers.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman attended the jobactive launch today with Prime Minister Tony Abbott and said the ARA has been working closely with both retailers and the government to deliver jobs around Australia. 

“We have worked with major retailers and retail developments to find employment opportunities and then ensure applicants are ready to fill those jobs by working hand in hand with the government and job services providers.

“The government must be commended on their approach to this initiative which will help more job seekers secure jobs and assist employers to find the employees they need to grow their businesses,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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Tax-deductible donations to hundreds of environmental groups will be scrutinised in a new inquiry by the House of Representatives Environment Committee.

The committee today launched an inquiry into the administration, transparency and effectiveness of the Register of Environmental Organisations (the Register) in supporting practical action to improve the environment.

Committee Chair, Alex Hawke MP, said the committee looks forward to hearing from a range of environmental organisations, including those currently listed on the Register, and other interested parties.

“Over 600 environmental groups are currently deductible gift recipients. This allows them to access tax-deductible donations to fund important, practical work to improve the natural environment. We need to ensure that tax deductible donations, which are a generous concession from the taxpayer, are used for the purpose intended and expected by the community,” he said.

The terms of reference empower the committee to inquire into and report on the administration and transparency of the Register of Environmental Organisations (the Register) and its effectiveness in supporting communities to take practical action to improve the environment. The inquiry will have particular regard to:

• the definition of 'environmental organisation' under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, including under Subdivision 30-E;
• the requirements to be met by an organisation to be listed on the Register and maintain its listing;
• activities undertaken by organisations currently listed on the Register and the extent to which these activities involve on-ground environmental works;
• reporting requirements for organisations to disclose donations and activities funded by donations;
• the administration of the Register and potential efficiency improvements;
• compliance arrangements and the measures available to the Department of the Environment and the Australian Taxation Office to investigate breaches of the Act and Ministerial Guidelines by listed organisations; and
• relevant governance arrangements in international jurisdictions, and exploring methods to adopt best practice in Australia

The Committee will accept submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference until Thursday, 21 May 2015.

Further details about how to make a submission can be obtained from the committee’s website at: http://www.aph.gov.au/reo.

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THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today welcomes the release of the tax discussion paper, the first step in creating a tax system that supports economic growth, improves our international competitiveness and adjusts to a changing economy and new opportunities. 

ARA  Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the retail industry will support a real tax reform agenda and not just a talk-fest as the Henry review turned out to be.

"This enquiry should not limit tax reform until after the election. We also hope that simple resolutions - including overseas companies collecting low value GST from purchases under $1000 – can be implemented right away.

"The serious reform agenda needs to be based on tax rates remaining a concern, allowing sneaky revenue growth for government, as does the base of the GST which needs expanding and simplifying.

“Tax reform is needed to create jobs, growth and opportunity across all industries,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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BREAKING down trade barriers and improving market access for Australian industry and business are the focus of a report, released today by the Treaties Committee.

The long awaited World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade Facilitation aims to help Australian businesses better connect to the global economy by removing red tape and simplifying customs procedures. The agreement was adopted by the 159 Members of the WTO in December, 2013. As the first major agreement since the establishment of the WTO in 1995, it is a significant step towards a multilateral trading system.

It will now be easier for exporters and importers to take advantage of Australia’s largest existing free trade agreement, the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA). With a combined population of 650 million people, the parties to this agreement account for $4.1 billion of global GDP. The First Protocol to Amend AANZFTA will make it simpler to complete the paperwork required to do business in these countries.
 
Committee Chair, Wyatt Roy MP, said these two treaties will open up opportunities for Australian businesses and industry.

“It is not just tariff barriers that make it difficult for businesses looking for global marketing opportunities. Often red tape and complicated customs processes prove too difficult to negotiate,” he said.

A mutual legal assistance treaty with Vietnam will make it harder for criminals to escape justice. Australia and Vietnam will now be able to exchange information and evidence to investigate and prosecute serious offenses. These types of treaties help Australia fight international crime.

Mr Roy said, “Vietnam is already a valuable Australian partner in the fight against transnational crime in our region and this agreement will strengthen that relationship.”

The full report is available on the committee’s website: http://www.aph.gov.au/jsct

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